Signature Seminar: Opening Doors

The Signature Seminar: Opening Doors is a six-session behind-the-scenes series that follows the creation of Signature Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s *Merrily We Roll Along*. Led by director Matthew Gardiner and members of the design, music, and production teams, participants will move from initial design concepts through the final dress rehearsal, gaining insight into the collaboration, artistry, and theatrical mechanics that bring a musical to life. Each session focuses on a different milestone—visual design, music rehearsal, technical integration, wandelprobe, final dress, and a reflective debrief—offering a comprehensive view of the production process.

When: August 6 through August 24, 2026. Most sessions are in the evening, with one afternoon session (time still to be announced) and a concluding Zoom meeting.

Showtimes: Session 1 “Bursting With Dreams – The World of *Merrily*” on August 6, 7:00–8:00PM. Session 2 “Give Me a Melody – the Music of *Merrily*” on August 13, 7:00–8:00PM. Session 3 “Opening Doors – Tech Rehearsal” on August 20, 7:00–9:00PM. Session 4 “Me With Music and You the Words – Wandelprobe” on August 22, afternoon hours (time to be determined). Session 5 “We’ll All Get Together on Sunday – Final Dress Rehearsal” on August 23, 7:30PM. Session 6 “It’s a Hit – Zoom Debrief & Reflection” on August 24, 7:00–8:00PM.

Tickets: Full‑series pass is $300. Friends of Signature receive a discounted price of $255. Individual session tickets are not listed; topics are subject to change.

Lineup: Directed by Matthew Gardiner and involving the design team (scenic, costume, lighting, sound), music staff, cast, and orchestra, as specified in each session.

Run time: Varies by session. Evening sessions generally run 1–2 hours. The final dress rehearsal (August 23) is scheduled for 7:30PM and will run the full length of the production. The August 22 afternoon session length is to be announced.

Ages: Not specified; the content is geared toward adult theatre enthusiasts and industry newcomers.

Venue: Signature Theatre, Arlington, Virginia. The final session on August 24 takes place via Zoom.

Note: This seminar series is sponsored by Signature’s Education and Community Programs.